Its that time of year again. As winter approaches, we are entering another flu season.

We can help reduce the spread of influenza through a proactive regimen including frequent good handwashing, covering our coughs and sneezes (or coughing into our elbows), staying home when sick, but the best way to prevent the spread of influenza is to get vaccinated every year. The influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of six months who is not allergic to the vaccine.

A recent study showed that the influenza vaccine results in a reduction of 30,000 visits to hospital emergency departments, 1,000 hospitalizations and 300 deaths in Ontario alone.